Impetuous beauty Lady Jacinda Knight is the daughter of a notorious woman. Her mother - Georgiana, the Duchess of Hawkscliffe - had scandalised society with her affairs and exploits, earning her the moniker of the Hawkscliffe Harlot. All her life Jacinda has been aware that the eyes of the ton are upon her - waiting for her to reveal her true colours and follow in her disgraced mother's footsteps. Now - faced with the prospect of an arranged and loveless marriage - Jacinda may well be about to prove her critics right. Running from her fate, Jacinda finds herself alone on a dangerous street face-to-face with Billy Blade, the notorious leader of a band of thieves. Jacinda finds herself dangerously attracted to the handsome, mysterious rogue and only just escapes the experience with her reputation intact. But Billy is no ordinary criminal. Years before he had turned his back on the privilege and power of his tyrannical father, the Earl of Rackford. He regarded giving up his wealth and position a small price to pay for the freedom he currently enjoys. But Jacinda makes him contemplate the unthinkable - returning to the civilised world to reclaim his title.
Lady Jacinda Knight is the daughter of a woman who earned her noteriety. Georgiana, Duchess of Hawkscliffe had several affairs, children by many of her lovers, but her husband acknowledged them all. Her brothers are convinced that if they don't marry her well she may succom to the same temptations as her mother. So they organise a marriage and she runs away.
There she finds a notorious leader of a band of thieves, Billy Blade, who rescues her. She finds herself attracted but she doesn't know of a way for them to have a future. He knows a way, but going back to live with his father who beat him is not a path he wants to go on, not until it's the only path left open.
I love the two characters, they're great fun, the story does follow some well-trod paths but does it well. It is also interesting to read the history of the Countess of Oxford, upon whom the author based the Duchess of Hawkscliffe. I also love the way the characters work together to form an alliance, overcoming reluctance along the way. This one held my interest and I enjoyed the ride immensley, regreting distractions.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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18 June, 2009:
Finished reading
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18 June, 2009:
Reviewed